Day: August 11, 2015

I can highly recommend the architecture tour an the Chicago River. A lovely way to get to know the city and its marvellous architecture better. Staff on board is very professional and the guide really knew a lot about the buildings. She was also open to extra questions.

Boats come equipped with toilets and a café, if you like some beverages during your trip. The inside of the boat has air conditioning, but we preferred sitting outside to have the best views.

It doesn’t matter if you take this boat ride during the day or during the night. You will definitely enjoy it.

Wendella Sightseeing Boats, 400 North Michigan Ave, Departing from Michigan Ave at the historic Wrigley Building, Chicago, IL 60611
https://www.wendellaboats.com/
+1 312-337-1446

Visited August 2015. You can find my review about Wendella Sightseeing Boats also on TripAdvisor.

What a beautiful place: full of beautiful architecture and history (Napoleon once staid here). The beautifully landscaped gardens are full of flowers and statues. The view on the lake is breath taking. The name Isola Bella couldn’t be more right.

Entrance for the palace and the gardens is a bit on the pricey side, but I feel like I got my money’s worth. Don’t drink anything in the garden café though, it is horrible overpriced.

Palazzo Borromeo, Stresa, Isola Bella, Italy
http://www.isoleborromee.it/imadre-palazzo.html
100

Visited June 2015. You can find my review about Palazzo Borromeo also on TripAdvisor.

Isola Bella in itself is a gorgeous place to visit. We arrived at lunch time, so we went looking for a place to eat. In all honesty we didn’t expect much, because the place is really touristy. But hey, a short walk from where the ferry docked, we found Ostera del Crimine. I was charmed by the lovely terrace in the sun (don’t worry, there are also tables in the shade).

We decided on taking the ‘tourist menu’, hey, we were tourists after all. I must say I was pleasantly surprised. The menu was actually quite good and service was friendly. As as starter I had a ravioloni stuffed with see bass and leek with courgette cream, which was very savory. My fish main course, the fillet of see bass with mediterranean sauce and salad was basic but tasty. To top the meal of my boyfriend and I enjoyed a very well made tiramisu. We never had to wait long to get the next course. Not bad for less than 20 euros.

Osteria del Crimine, Via del Voltone 13 Isola Bella, 28838, Stresa, Italy
https://www.ristoranteisolabella.it/
+39 0323 934630

Visited June 2015. You can find my review about Osteria del Crimine also on TripAdvisor. My scores: value 4/5, service 3/5, food 4/5.